All-round Pakistan hit back to take series
A lot of expectations were heaped on Zimbabwe as they sat on the threshold of a rare series win against a top side, but they couldn't summon the temperament to beat Pakistan
A lot of expectations were heaped on Zimbabwe as they sat on the threshold of a rare series win against a top side, but they couldn't summon the temperament to beat Pakistan
Scorer: Gopi Rangarajan | Commentator: Alagappan Muthu
So there you have it, folks. Pakistan seal the series 2-1 to break a 10-year jinx. Both captains are looking forward to the Tests and we hope you will join us on September 3 when the first one begins. Until then, this is Alagappan Muthu, on behalf of Rohan Sharma and Vishal Dikshit, saying sayonara.
Misbah-ul-Haq is the Man of the Match. "Yeah we were really struggling and the ball wasn't coming on to the bat. I didn't really know what was happening but Umar Amin played a good innings. The openers gave us a good start but the game changed when Amin came in and Sarfraz also batted well and we managed a good total. There was a little inconsistent bounce and pace so I wanted to make sure we played the 50 overs and post something around 250-260. We dont need to think about records too much. They always come along, but we just need to go there and play to win the game and thats what we did. We have a very settled Test squad and everyone is performing. They know their role and most of them are seniors now so its not a problem for us"
Brendan Taylor says he was comfortable with the total they restricted Pakistan. Though there was a little panic in the chase, we have a lot of positives. They always had an explosive lower order and keeping them to 10 or 9 an over in the death was always going to be difficult. When the top order clicks, it makes a huge difference. They are in good nick going into the Tests and hopefully they can stay out there for long periods of time. Its a massive challenge but its nice to play a Test match at home
Mohammad Hafeez is named Man of the Series for his 232 runs in three matches. "In the last couple of games I wasn't scoring runs and thanks to my team-mates and my coaches have helped me. The leg is still not feeling well, but I was trying to be in the game. After the first game, we needed to work hard and play well in the next two. I was having trouble running twos and threes so I thought it was best to take some treatment and with the Test series around the corner it seemed the right thing to do"
Umer: "MoM goes to Misbah for his batting, fielding and captaincy! :)"
Tipu: "Rehman has made a good comeback, Zulfiqar seemed in good touch last time he played...it would be intresting to see who ultimately cements his place in the team."
Zimbabwe would be sorely disappointed at the result. With Masakadza and Taylor at the crease they were up with the rate. But the onset of the spinners introduced a few doubts into the batsmen's minds and resulted in a few run-outs. Malcolm Waller and Prosper Utseya put up a brave rearguard action, but once Utseya fell victim to the third run-out of the innings, Zimbabwe's hopes were fast failing. Do stay with us as we bring the presentation in a few minutes.
MN Waller c Abdur Rehman b Saeed Ajmal 48 (86m 71b 4x4 0x6) SR: 67.60
Andy Waller, the Zimbabwe coach, admitted that recent run-ins with Zimbabwe Cricket had affected the morale of the players, but the situation was not a factor in their 108-run defeat to Pakistan in the third ODI in Harare
Misbah-ul-Haq said that the run-outs of Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, were the turning points during the third and final ODI which Pakistan won by 108 runs to take series 2-1 in Harare
A lot of expectations were heaped on Zimbabwe as they sat on the threshold of a rare series win against a top side, but they couldn't summon the temperament to beat Pakistan
The Zimbabwe players have extended to Monday a deadline for Zimbabwe Cricket to clear their dues, which could yet put a cloud over the two-Test series that begins on Tuesday